Bournemouth have slapped a massive asking price on Alex Scott as Manchester United and Liverpool weigh up moves for the midfielder.
Scott, 22, has emerged as a potential summer target for Premier League giants Man United and Liverpool following another impressive season on the south coast.
The ex-Bristol City star only missed one of Bournemouth’s league games as they secured a brilliant sixth-place finish, qualifying for Europe for the first time.
Scott’s performances for Bournemouth put him in contention for a place in England’s World Cup squad but Thomas Tuchel ultimately chose other options.
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The Bournemouth star was, however, one of five players that joined the England squad’s preparation camp in the United States ahead of the World Cup.
Manchester United have identified Scott as a possible target as they look to significantly bolster Michael Carrick’s midfield options this summer.
United said farewell to Casemiro at the end of the season and are open to offers for £50m signing Manuel Ugarte following his struggles at Old Trafford.
Brazil’s Ederson will become the first signing of the Carrick era after Manchester United agreed a £35m deal with Serie A side Atalanta.
But United want at least one more midfielder to arrive through the doors at the Theatre of Dreams and have expressed interest in Scott.
Liverpool also admire the future England international and have been linked with a move since Andoni Iraola left Bournemouth to take over at Anfield.
The Cherries are aware of the interest in Scott but, according to talkSPORT, remain ‘determined’ to keep hold of him this summer.
As a result Bournemouth have slapped an £80m asking price on the midfielder in a bid to deter potential suitors and even hope Scott will sign a new contract to tie him down.
Bournemouth owner Bill Foley is a huge fan of Scott and places him a similar bracket to Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson and Newcastle United’s Sandro Tonali, who are both valued at more than £80m.
‘The two obvious targets for Manchester United would be Elliot Anderson and Sandro Tonali,’ ex-England midfielder Danny Murphy told Metro on behalf of NetBet football.
‘Both players have wonderful energy and great tenacity. They are the perfect type of Premier League midfielders who would improve United.
‘Tonali’s all-round game, he can play offensive and defensive, scoring goals and getting on the ball, he’s also somebody that would be able to cope with the responsibility of playing for United for sure.
‘Elliot Anderson is the same, the problem is though lots of clubs are going to want them. I think City are in for Anderson and there will be takers for Tonali, too.
‘But if I was the head of recruitment at Manchester United, I’d be doing everything I can to get one of those two.’
Scott could make his England debut on Wednesday night when Tuchel’s side face Costa Rice in their final World Cup warm-up game.
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